Nine perfectly matched soul rings rose slowly around the cloaked man, their brilliance glowing with terrifying intensity as a mountain-like pressure crashed down on everyone present.
Robert's expression turned ashen. He had never expected that one of these two mysterious individuals would turn out to be a Titled Douluo!
Even without a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, this man was still the real deal. The gap between a Soul Douluo and a Titled Douluo was immeasurable—and compared to their group, it was like heaven and earth.
Even if Robert had brought a hundred men instead of ten elite guards, they still wouldn't stand a chance against a Titled Douluo.
A single move from this man could easily wipe them out.
Yet this also confirmed the suspicion lingering in Robert's heart: the mysterious disappearance of Hill from their squad.
At first, he'd considered the possibility of a rogue soul beast or an unknown assassin.
But now it was clear—Hill had fallen to this Titled Douluo.
Which made the situation even more dangerous.
For a Titled Douluo to abandon all decorum and strike down a mere Soul King, then turn around and threaten a royal escort unit… things were far more complicated than he had imagined.
Robert's voice was grim. "Even if you are a Titled Douluo, do you know who we are?"
"If you kill us, are you prepared to face the wrath of the power behind us? Are you ready for a war that ends in annihilation?!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The man slowly raised his head, revealing a youthful yet arrogant face beneath the cloak.
With a disdainful smirk, he looked down on them and said, "Annihilation? From you? The Star Luo Empire? What do you have that's worth fearing?"
His words stunned both Robert and the golden-haired youth.
This man… who was he?
He clearly knew who they were, yet dared to provoke the Star Luo Empire head-on. That meant one of two things: either his personal strength was overwhelming… or the force behind him was comparable to the Empire itself.
Just what kind of background did he have?
The golden-haired youth steadied himself and stepped forward, speaking in a deep voice:
"Watch your tongue! I am Davis, Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire! Even if you are powerful, think carefully—can you truly endure the full wrath of my Empire?"
"There are Titled Douluo within our royal family as well."
"If you have a purpose here, then speak it. On behalf of the Star Luo Imperial Family, I am willing to consider an alliance."
Robert couldn't help but nod approvingly at Davis's words.
He had handled the situation well—bringing up the Empire to strengthen their position without outright antagonizing the Titled Douluo. He showed appropriate respect, while also leaving room for diplomacy.
Yes, Robert thought, Your Highness truly is starting to look like a worthy successor.
Unconsciously, Robert's mind flashed to Dai Mubai… and he sighed inwardly.
A coward who runs from responsibility has no right to inherit the throne. He's already lost before the battle has even begun.
Sure enough, the cloaked man hesitated for a brief moment after hearing Davis's words.
Then his eyes flicked to the slender, black-robed figure standing quietly beside him.
Everyone followed his gaze.
A clear, crisp voice echoed from within the hooded figure:
"Don't forget Her Holiness the Pope's command."
"…Understood."
The man turned back toward the group, his face twisting into a sinister grin.
"If you want someone to blame—blame yourselves for interfering with the Pope's plans."
The Pope?!
Robert's heart sank.
A Titled Douluo, and now they mention the Pope…
There was only one power on the entire Douluo Continent capable of this—
Spirit Hall.
A powerful force independent from both empires and all sects.
A massive, mysterious organization, often considered neutral, whose sole purpose was to support Soul Masters across the continent—especially civilians. They were also known for discovering and nurturing rare talents.
And yet now, this same Spirit Hall had dispatched a Titled Douluo… and by the sound of it, was enacting some secret operation in the forest.
Robert gritted his teeth, hand tightening around the hilt of his sword.
Even so, he shouted, "Even if you are from Spirit Hall, do you not fear our Empire's retaliation?!"
The man sneered, "If I kill all of you, then who will be left to tell the tale?"
Clang—!!
The royal guards drew their swords in unison, eyes sharp and solemn.
Buzz—!
Soul rings began to rise from behind each of them.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black!
All of them had optimal soul ring configurations!
Robert also revealed his Martial Soul—a massive, black-striped Nightshade Tiger, which emerged silently behind him, its eyes gleaming with killing intent.
Seven soul rings floated behind him, illuminating the pitch-black forest.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black!
Ten elite Soul Masters stood shoulder to shoulder, their soul power surging with unmatched ferocity.
The frail, cloaked figure to the side began to pant under the crushing pressure of their combined auras.
"Hmph."
With a snort, the man released his soul power and formed a protective field around himself and his companion, shielding them from the overwhelming pressure.
Only then did the cloaked figure manage to catch her breath.
Behind the man, a long golden spear appeared—its shape intricate and otherworldly. Coiled around the shaft was a living snake, its eyes feral, hissing at the crowd with rage.
Robert's eyes widened in horror.
What kind of Martial Soul is that?!
It looked like a weapon-type Martial Soul, but… why did it have a living snake on it?
The man chuckled coldly.
"As expected of the Star Luo Empire. You've got depth."
"Unfortunately—"
"You've run into me."
"Spirit Hall Elder. Title: Snake Lance Douluo. Rank 93. Prepare yourselves."
BOOM!
An overwhelming pressure exploded outward from Snake Lance Douluo, like a sledgehammer striking the hearts of everyone present.
Robert's breath hitched. He activated his full soul power and shouted:
"Captain of the Star Luo Imperial Guard—Robert! Rank 78! Martial Soul: Nightshade Tiger. Prepare to fight!"
A flicker of admiration passed through Snake Lance Douluo's eyes… but it quickly faded into icy resolve.
His third soul ring lit up—his Snake Lance turned into a golden streak of light, shooting directly at the group like a bolt of divine punishment.
"Shadow-Splitting Nine Strikes!"
"Form ranks! Protect His Highness!"
Robert roared, activating his second soul ring.
A pitch-black tiger projection charged forward to intercept the incoming attack.
At the same time, the other guards unleashed their soul skills with no hesitation, launching a barrage of counterattacks to meet the incoming blow head-on!
****
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